Thrills and Chills On and Around Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a natural, peaceful, tropical retreat. But don't let that fool you into thinking that it is dull.

Those with a keen spirit of adventure can find plenty to do on the Island And for those seeking some hair raising activities, you will not be disappointed.

For starters, perhaps you might like to take a peek at the Gulf from a unique perspective.

There are several options in para sailing, including whether you want to go solo, side by side or as a three some. I'm told that the launch is much less intimidating than other locales as you are lifted from a platform rather than from the water. The landing, too, is a bit less frightening. But regardless of your choice in seating and your ability to launch on dry land, the thrill is there. With no mountains or tall buildings on Sanibel or Captiva, your para sail experience will give you a view of the Gulf you won't find anywhere else!

And for those seeking thrills directly on the water, there are several deep sea and flats fishing charters on and around Sanibel. Many of these offer no fish, no pay policies, so you have to imagine the fishing has to be quite good to guarantee a catch. And these are not little fish we are talking about. Depending on the season, you'll be able to catch giant tarpon of an average weight of one hundred pounds and reaching two hundred pounds. Kingfish, Barracudas, Cobia, as well as Sharks and Tuna make for memories and pictures that last a lifetime.

There are many other ways on and around Sanibel to pump up your adrenalin from kiteboarding to kite sailing with huge kites that can knock you over and nearly carry you away.

But one experience I have yet to explore is the Calusa Ghost Tour. Though John Paeno, called Calusa John, warns that folks looking for a cheap thrill are not his designated audience, the kind of stories he tells will certainly transport you to a different time.

The Calusa Ghost Tours just opened on the Imperial River in Bonita Springs, a short jaunt from Sanibel. The business will sell and rent new and used kayaks and canoes and offer excursions such as kayak fishing, camping and hiking on Mound Key around shell mounds the Calusa built. But the most fascinating aspect will be the stories told on the tours Paeno conducts.

He will share stories, involving romance, raids, outlaws and just everyday life, during tours and events. “If you’re looking for stories about a lost culture and a lost civilization, about ancient technology and the way they lived, I’m the guy", Paeno claimed of his tours on News-Press.com. One thing for sure, you will not be bored on Sanibel.